3 Fresh Ways to do Animal Print (from JCP!)

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It’s looking like a jungle out there and I couldn’t be happier about it.

Animal print is everywhere right now. Typically not something we’ve seen so much of in the warmer months but I AM NOT COMPLAINING.

I have honestly talked myself out of buying at least 3 animal print shirts (not saying I won’t sneak in at least one at some point), but I feel as if my closet already has a good amount. So how else can I stock up on one of my favorite prints? In asking myself that question I thought I’d help you out as well and give you three fresh ways to do animal print…from pieces I found at JC Penney!

JC Penney in West Town Mall is one of my favorite places to pop in and get something good for a great price. I especially love walking up to the register while searching for coupons on my phone, knowing that I’m about to save even MORE.

And with Memorial Day behind us to kick off the official start to summer clearance season, I feel as if we’re going to be swimming in discounts. Let’s talk about these pieces…

Go for it in a Blazer:

When you first see this guy on a hanger, you think (at least I did) Ooo that’s too much going on. But honestly, when thrown over a white t-shirt and jeans (or in this case workout pants), it’s just right. I’m a huge fan of blazers with the cinched sleeves because I know I’m going to be cinching them anyway, if that could be built in that would be great. Also the length on this one is long but gives it a modern edge without being too oversized looking.

This would work both for a “feeling spiffy” day in the office over a simple black dress, or thrown on with a white shirt and distressed jeans to punch up a casual look.

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PS: The white tank I have on underneath that I grabbed just to make this outfit look normal (the shirt I came in wearing was lavender) is a wonderful shirt. I’m totally going back for it. They also have it in black. I’m wearing a small in both the tank top and jacket.

Take the print to your bottom half:

Please note: I am not a shorts girl. Don’t like them, don’t wear them, but I almost sold myself on these. They’re light weight, have a very comfortable elastic waist and are flowy without the fear of flashing someone. Also, they would give all your solid tees a great companion. And one word: POCKETS.

I’m wearing a large in these, but could probably have gotten away with a medium. They’re so flowy I was okay with a little extra room.

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Try animal print in a different color:

When it comes to wearing an animal print that’s outside the colors you would actually see on an animal – tread lightly. I know I’m contradicting my headline with that sentence, but as I typed it I realized that your outfit can veer down a tacky road if you don’t keep your hands on the wheel so to speak.

However, I’ve seen this emerald green combo a couple times now and I think you can stay on the fashionably straight and narrow with this while still doing something fresh…

This top is a bit cropped with wider sleeves. Wear it with some high wasted jeans or even over a maxi dress for a fun new twist.

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I hope this gives you some summer style inspiration!

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Pretty Spring-Like Picks from JCP

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Let’s be clear, winter isn’t over yet.

You know I’m a lover of cold weather. But as I walked through JCP the other day, pulling things to take pictures of, I looked down and realized what I had was the beginning of a good spring wardrobe.

As usual, I sold myself on just about everything I put on – how do these people DO IT? I’ve been reading dressing room posts for a while, and I’ve never fully thought about how tempting it would be to buy everything every time. Maybe they do. Who knows.

PS: Everything I try on came from the Liz Claiborne section!

Rain Jacket

I truly almost sold myself on the polka dot rain jacket… The only thing that held me back was the pile of jackets that are currently on our coat rack. But this number is pretty cute! It’s on sale for $42 and I’m wearing a medium.

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 Trench Coat

I’m in the middle of reading a book about building your wardrobe, and the one thing I keep reading (and have heard before) is that a trench coat is a good basic to have on hand.

I don’t really have a good trench coat.

But it is so versatile and can work in almost all the seasons. This is a great option. Makes me feel like a chic spy! It’s 30% off right now and will ring in at $56. I’m wearing a medium but it runs a little big so I could’ve done a small.

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Denim Jacket

Speaking of outerwear every woman needs in her closet – cue the denim jacket!

I’m partial to a darker denim because it goes with all my black and this is a great dark wash.

My piece of advice when shopping for a denim jacket? Style it how you would actually wear it when trying it on. I will always wear it with the sleeves rolled up, so I rolled them up. That way you can truly decide if it will work with your ascetic or not.

Love the lines working down vertically – makes it feel more taylored to my body. This is a great deal too! Most run way more than $42.99

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Chambray Shirt

Speaking of versatile denim pieces – this shirt! Love the lightweight look of a chambray shirt. Also love that the buttons don’t go all the way down. That will make it work under other shirts sooo well because you won’t have the bulk of the buttons all the way down.

This is a great purchase and honestly I’ve talked myself into going back and getting it. It’s only $29.99 and I promise once you break down the cost-per-wear you’ll be paying about ten cents every time you wear it (aka: it will be often!)

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Striped Sailor Jacket

I spied a jacket like this in the sale section of a website and it peaked my interest. Then when I tried it on I realized what a great addition this would be to a spring wardrobe.

Pair it with ripped jeans and a simple white tee, OR throw it over a lightly floral patterned maxi dress. The navy and white stripes are basically requirements for spring dressing and the lightweight feel will be perfect for the cooler days/nights (THAT I PRAY TO GOD WE HAVE ALL THROUGH SPRING BECAUSE I LOVE COLD WEATHER AND JACKETS).

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PSS: notice how my bold lip goes with everything I’m wearing?! Goes to show how versatile a fuchsia lip can be. Check out my instagram profile to see what matte lipstick is my fav (see: Spiffy Lips)

PSSS: I can’t, CAN’T get enough of these products. I’ve been slathering myself with all things lavender since Tuesday. And what’s even better? They’re located right outside of JCP so you can go grab your spring wardrobe then head on over to Fresh Kale Bath Company to smell good. WIN WIN. :) You’re welcome.

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Dresses You Can Wear with Sneakers or Heels

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Currently, I’m shopping like it’s 100 degrees outside.

I finally pinpointed my most perplexing style moment of summer – trying to look good when it feels like 100 degrees. So I’m taking steps to combat that WHAT DO I WEAR?! moment by scooping up cute but cool pieces that can be styled a myriad of ways…

Like these dresses from JCP in West Town Mall.

Honestly, going into this post, I thought I’d just pull some basic t-shirt dresses here and there slap them together…yadda, yadda…but as I looked at the graphic all together, I wanted to hop out of my chair and book it down to JCP for every. single. one of these pieces.

How about that chambray dress!? I can instantly envision it with white Converse and a cross-body, or nude wedges and a striped bag. Psssst: It’s online only so here’s the link.

I picked each dress because the above shoe combination is possible with all of them. As someone who disdains the feel of shorts – these will be my go-to picks this summer.

Also, I just bought one from GAP in West Town Mall that’s a great length,  more on that later!

Not into dresses but want to wear an old pair of jeans in a new way (that’s wildly specific of me)…read how to distress your own jeans!

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Mid-Summer Shopping List

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Someone asked me the other day what my favorite part of summer is. I responded…counting down to fall.

So maybe I don’t enjoy the extreme heat, bugs and humidity like some do (I painted such a beautiful picture, didn’t I ;) I do enjoy the easy style offerings that come with lazy nights outside, wiping off the watermelon from my chin and feeling weightless as I float in the pool.

Let’s squeeze out all the fun wearing any (or all!) of these picks, which can be found in the beautifully air-conditioned West Town Mall!

1. My love affair with gold could be fleeting, so I’ll pick up this wallet-friendly, yet still glamorous gold watch from Charming Charlie.

2. GAP workout clothes are fan…tastic – all the wicking and support and cuteness without all the cash dropping.

3. I love everything about this dress (and I’m pretty sure it has pockets!), find it at The Limited.

4. I need more pattern in my closet, but until I find something as beautiful as stripes or leopard print, I’ll go with a great textured top from Ann Taylor.

5. A beautiful cover up for your bum and you don’t even have to tie it! Just slip it on and walk the beachy cat walk :)

6. Wearing my hair up without studs in my ear is breaking a fashion commandment. And the color of these beauties from Francesca’s will go with everything.

7. Ever since we moved into our house, I’ve been buying pillows like they are jugs of milk. Pottery Barn and their fantastic sale is feeding my addiction.

8. Simple black wedges are so important to rounding out your summer looks! Thank you, Charlotte Russe!

9. I NEED THIS IN MY LIFE (Dillard’s).

10. After I had Jackson, I passed a pregnant girl wearing jeans like these and I slapped myself in the forehead. They are the perfect during-and-post pregnancy jeans because they have the elastic waist!

11. What’s better than a Piko top from Fiore in the summer? A sleeveless Piko dress from Fiore! (or tunic because really, these things are short for those of us with long legs).

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An Easy Way to Shop for a Holiday Outfit

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One thing is certain, you will not be able to look back on this Christmas season and say that I didn’t help you with what to wear to a party.

I’ve helped you here, here and now today…

I picked up this metallic sweater at JCPenney. And it was truly the easiest outfit shopping I’ve done all year long. Here’s how I did it.

The easiest piece to get that will help you look fresh and glam without spending a lot of money is a top. Especially one like this with a lot of shine. Because you’re not going to have to do too much accessorizing with something like this.

I didn’t want to spend a lot of money and wanted exactly that – something I could throw on that would be easily accessorized. So late one night I hopped online and started pre-shopping.

Which is something else you need to think about. Instead of aimlessly wandering around stores trying to “shop cold” (as I’m now officially calling it), if you’ll do a little pre-shopping online you’ll be able to instantly rule out any store you don’t want to try.

I went straight to JCP for a couple of reasons…

1. They’ve got a lot of great coupons going on right now so I knew I could get something cheap

2. I was planning to shop on a day where I was working from home and didn’t want to have to get all dolled up to go all over the mall. I just wanted to hit one store, and I knew JCP would deliver.

Sure enough, they did. Found this sweater online, went in the next day tried it on, presented my coupon, badda-bing, badda-boom I’m out the door with a great party outfit and I spent less than $20 and barely an hour on the whole thing.

That, is what I’m talking about.

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